Rustic Inspired Living Room Refresh ORC Week 4

Now that I know how easy it is to refresh furniture with chalk paint, I can’t stop! Can’t wait to show you this week’s transformation!

Yikes, it is week 4 of the One Room Challenge (ORC) already!  I am so excited to share my latest experience using Annie Sloan Chalk paint to refresh furniture with chalk paint.  After my successful transformation last week, I felt ready to tackle the next piece of furniture on my list!

At the start of the challenge, I shared that I had four pieces of furniture that I wanted to refresh as part of my rustic inspired living room makeover.  Two of the pieces are made out of darker toned wood and two of the pieces are light in color.  I think the two light ones are pine.    All four pieces are currently in the same room.  They are pictured below:

Let’s Get Ready to Transform Furniture with Chalk Paint

The first step was to unload the cabinet. I wanted to move it out from against the wall. Because it is heavy and bulky, I decided I would just leave it in the living room and put a drop cloth on the floor.

This armoire was made sometime in the early 2000s.  Inside the drawer, I found a Broyhill label.  I think it is made out of pine.  It is a well made piece of furniture.  It has held up well but did have a few scratches and odd marks.

After the stereo components were removed, I washed the cabinet with a mild oil based soap and then wiped it with a damp cloth to remove any traces of soap.  Once the armoire was dry, I began to paint it.  Since I really want to lighten up the look of this room, I decided to use Annie Sloan Olde White Chalk paint and White chalk paint wax.  The beauty of chalk paint is that you don’t have to sand or prime the pieces that you want to paint.

To save time, I didn’t take the hinges off so I used Frog Tape to protect them from the paint. We also tried to get the drawers out but they wouldn’t come out for some reason.  I think the glider track might be attached on the bottom.  I did take the knobs off.

After the first coat dried, I added a second coat. For the second coat, I thinned the paint with some distilled water .  This resulted in more of a white wash look.

I love how the easily the paint went on.  I had very few drips.  I really like how the armoire looks somewhat distressed without really distressing it!

Thyme to Wax!

Chalk paint does need some type of top coat on it to protect it.  I decided to use Annie Sloan white wax.  This is my first experience with the white wax, I have used other colors of this product before on some things I have used chalked spray paint on.  I did use the clear wax on the bookcase last week.

I think the wax is easier to apply if you use a brush rather than a lint free cloth.  Simply scoop out some wax onto a paper plate, grab your brush and you are ready to get started!  Wax needs to be applied evenly.  It is best to work on small areas and then wipe off any excess wax with a lint free cloth. You can apply the wax in any direction.  Below is a picture of me waxing last week’s project. I was trying to do a circular motion when the picture was taken.  I forgot to ask my husband to take a picture of me waxing this week!

Since this wax is white,  I don’t think it really affected the color of the armoire.  Once I got the entire piece waxed, I went back over it with a lint free cloth to remove any excess wax.  Since this wood was not varnished, it seemed to absorb the wax really well. There really wasn’t alot of excess wax to remove.  I let it dry overnight.

Now for the Knobs

I went to the local Ace hardware this afternoon and found these awesome drawer pulls.  They even have a floral motif!

Close up

It was a bit of a struggle to get the drawers open.  Dave was able to get them opened by using a putty knife on each side!  Once the drawers were open, I was able to attach the new drawer pulls.

A Quick Styling for Spring

A stack of boxes accents the top of the cabinet and gives me even more storage possibilities!

Side by Side Comparison – Did I Successfully Refresh Furniture with Chalk Paint?

I can’t believe I was scared to paint furniture with a paint brush!  So far, I am pleased with how simple it was to refresh a piece of furniture with chalk paint and wax!

What Else Did I Accomplish This Week?

As part of the overall Rustic Living Room Refresh, I needed to find a new “home” for the conservatory that my Dad had made for me.  I shared the story behind it in week 2 of the Spring 2022 ORC.  In case you missed it, it can be found here: Rustic Inspired Living Room Refresh ORC Week 2

Yesterday, I had my husband help me move it out to the lanai.  I didn’t get a chance to really stage it yet, but at least it is under the composite roof part of the lanai and fairly protected from the elements!

What Else Needs to Be Done Before the Challenge is Complete?

Thanks for asking!  In addition to painting the remaining three pieces of furniture, I have a fireplace to “build” .  This mantel is going to be the focal point of the whole room refresh!  I have a pretty good idea on how I am going to make it stand up and affix it to the wall.

A Little Background About Me

Links to all of the guest participants can be found here: One Room Challenge